Starts with a green plaid shirt...

Happy Wednesday! Continuing to indulge by current obsession with plaid I recently picked up this boyfriend plaid shirt to add to my "business casual" rotation. 

One of the perks of working in an environment that isn't overly formal is the freedom to experiment a bit more with textures and patterns. This crinkle boy shirt is made work-appropriate by layering a fitted blazer on top. This is paired with skinny jeans (not jeggings) and a statement belt. The stack-heel ankle boot is a casual alternative to the classic pump, providing height while still being comfortable. 

Admittedly, leaving a a formal workplace where shift dresses and dress pants were go-to staples took a bit of getting used to. But once I figured out the balance of looking (and feeling) too dressed-down and being overly dressed-up -- business casual became quite fun. The best part is that items previously reserved for the weekend could be re-styled to be work-appropriate for the week. Imagine the possibilities!

Hope you're having a great week!

Top: J.Crew shirt (other colours here and here, sale items now an additional 30% off until April 6th with code "SHOPNOW")

Blazer: Banana Republic

Bottom: J.Brand

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Accessories: Tiffany & Co necklace, Ferragamo belt, Botkier bag, D&G sunglasses, Hermes bangle

Starts with ruffles and lace...

My hubby and I recently went to our last wedding of the year. Rather than splurge on a new dress, I decided to do a bit of reinventing with  my existing wardrobe. 

I opted to top my lace skirt with a peplum top (purchased during FNO in Vegas a few weeks ago) and added a skinny silver belt to create the look of the on-trend peplum dress while also mixing textures to keep the ensemble from looking too one-dimensional.

Adding a few silver accessories for additional pop, I was pleasantly delighted with the end result. Even better was the chance to wear pieces, that, if separate, probably would not have seen as much wear. 

Top: H&M

Bottom: Joe Fresh (old)

Shoes: Elie Tahari

Clutch: Salvatore Ferragamo

Belt: Femme de Carriere (old, great version here)

Starts with mixing patterns and Fall prints...

Dark and light, flowers and nautical stripes...why not?

Top: Club Monaco printed jacket (currently on sale), Club Monaco t-shirt (sold out, similar here)

Bottom: Gap (last seen here)

Belt: Salvatore Ferragamo

Jewellery: Tiffany & Co necklace

Shoes: Nine West

Bag: Prada

Starts with black and blue lace...

Nothing is lovelier than late summer weddings. It's the perfect weather for being outdoors. 

My hubby and I were at a few weddings this summer, and at each one, we felt so fortunate to be invited to share this special time with our friends and family.

For this particular wedding, I wore my Robert Rodriguez dress, which was a sale purchase from Holt Renfrew two years ago. Its clean lines along with the blue silk and eye-catching contrasting overlay have made this a staple for many special events.

When I first saw this dress, I was immediately drawn to the unique design of the lace. I also love the slimming wide waistband and the gorgeous detailing on the eyelash-fringe hem. 

I paired the dress with a statement necklace that I actually wore at my own wedding a year ago. It feels nice to be able to wear items that have sentimental meaning over again. It also livened up the neckline of an otherwise go-to piece, giving it a new look.

What statement pieces in your wardrobe to you find yourself reaching for over and over again?

Dress: Robert Rodriguez (old,similar here or long-sleeved version by same designer here)

Jewellery: necklace from Cards and Presents on Queen St. West, Toronto; Tiffany & Co bracelet

Shoes: Elie Tahari (currently on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue)

Clutch: Salvatore Ferragamo